MANILA. The Philippine government has dispatched a disaster response and humanitarian assistance team to Myanmar following a catastrophic magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the country on March 28, leaving over 2,065 dead and more than 3,900 injured, according to state media reports.
The first batch of the 91-member Philippine contingent departed from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, onboard two C-130 aircraft. The mission, spearheaded by Lieutenant Colonel Erwen S. Diploma, includes urban search and rescue teams, aeromedical personnel, and security forces.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed in a statement that 58 personnel were deployed in the initial wave, while the remaining 33 personnel are scheduled to leave on April 2, 2025, aboard another C-130 aircraft.
According to Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the primary goal of the mission is to locate and rescue any remaining survivors trapped under collapsed structures.
“Pagtulong doon sa mga maaaring paghahanap doon sa mga maaaring buhay pa na mga naipit doon sa mga gumuhong mga istraktura diyan sa Myanmar,” Nepomuceno stated in a report by GMA Integrated News’ Bam Alegre on Unang Balita. (We will help in searching for those who may still be alive, who are trapped in collapsed structures in Myanmar.)
“’Yan ang importante dahil may panahon pa upang mailigtas sila.” (That is important because there is still time to rescue them.)
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that the mission also serves as preparation for potential large-scale disasters in the Philippines, including the anticipated “Big One” earthquake in Metro Manila.
“Ini-inspire ko sila para umalis. Sabi ko, kayo sa Eastern Visayas Medical Center, sila ang tinamaan ng Typhoon Haiyan. So experienced din ito sa big-time na disaster kasi sila ‘yung mga personnel na tumulong during sa Typhoon Haiyan.”
“Kapag nagkaroon ng Big One sa Metro Manila, kayo ang magreresponde sa amin.”
The PAF reiterated that the deployment affirms the Philippine government’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and regional cooperation, highlighting its dedication to swift disaster response efforts.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that four Filipinos remain unaccounted for in Myanmar following the disaster. Search and rescue operations continue as authorities work to locate the missing individuals.
The second deployment on April 2 is expected to reinforce the ongoing relief operations in Myanmar as the international community rallies to support the country in the wake of one of its deadliest earthquakes in recent history.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
